A walk in the woods, along the coast or up mountains!

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There is something incredibly timeless about taking a stroll. Not only does going for a walk offer a host of physical and cognitive benefits, it is also a fantastic way to explore a new area. Whether you’re hiking a scenic nature trail or taking a leisurely walk, you’ll unlock all sorts of hidden gems when you step outside and do a little exploring. It’s a relatively low impact way to get some exercise and an inexpensive way to have a magical day on vacation.

Each part of the world has a unique and natural beauty. Sometimes it may be hidden behind a city skyline or tucked far off the beaten path, but it is most certainly there. One of the quickest ways to find those scenic natural areas is to research hiking trails. They tend to blaze through the most pristine and noteworthy areas around, like historic ruins and stunning landmarks. Hiking trails are prevalent in most areas, and a worthwhile trail is likely within a short drive, even for major metro areas. For the adventurous and experienced, there are hiking trails with steep inclines and challenging terrains. Novice hikers needn’t worry either, as many trails are well-maintained and gentler – some are even paved!

Taking a hike can be a great way to break up a trip, but you can have an equally enchanting time in an urban setting. When you take to the streets for a walk, you may not cover as much ground as you would in a car, but you’ll be able to spot all sorts of things you might otherwise have whizzed past unknowingly. Walking in a new place is a great way to meet the locals and find out about those fantastic hole in the wall restaurants that you’d otherwise miss. While you can have an enjoyable time walking just about anywhere, there are some areas and cities that are considered to be extra “walkable.” When vacationing, it never hurts to do a little research into the best areas to go for a stroll. For those who really love the pastime, Fromme’s has curated a list of the most walkable cities on earth, so you have a premade travel bucket list.

Whether you’re more of an urbanite or a woodsman, taking to the outdoors to stretch your legs is a wonderful way to get the most out of a new city. You’ll not only be exploring and experiencing, you will be getting healthy exercise. Whether you’re picking your way up a mountain trail or window shopping on a bustling street, it’s a fantastic way to learn about a new place and walk off some of that delicious vacation food.

What better way to spend a vacation than to have a luxury vacation home to relax in at the end of the day, after your long hike.  With International Vacation Home Exchange, IVHE.com you can select from these exquisite homes that are all located near excellent hiking and walking.  

Thank you to travel writer Emma Sledge.  

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Where Does the Zika Virus Outbreak Stand?

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By now, you have likely heard of the Zika Virus. We first posted about the Zika Virus in February. Here is the latest information about the virus.

The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak of the virus a public health emergency. The virus is now believed to have cause almost 5,000 cases of microcephaly in Brazil and other countries in LatinAmerica. Microcephaly is a disorder that causes babies to be born with abnormally small heads. This is defiantly a concern for women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. In fact, pregnant women are encouraged to postpone trips to areas that have confirmed cases of the Zika Virus.

Researchers are also trying to determine a correlation between Zika and Guillain-Barre syndrome. According to a report by the World Health Organization, eight countries have seen increases in Guillain-Barre since 2015. This neurological syndrome is rare, and causes your body’s immune system to attack your nerves.

Understandably, many people are concerned with traveling to areas where the Zika virus has been reported. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued more travel advisories to regions that have confirmed cases of Zika Virus. And as the Northern Hemisphere approaches the spring and summer months, cases of the Zika virus will likely increase. If you recently booked your International Vacation Home Exchange, and have concerns about the Zika Virus, here are some facts for you to consider:

·         The Zika Virus is caused by a virus transmitted by a mosquito. It is NOT contagious

·         There is no specific treatment or vaccine currently available

·         The virus is known to circulate in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific

·         The symptoms from the Zika Virus include fever, rash, and joint pan

·         Only about 20% of people who are infected will show any kinds of symptoms

·         Deaths from the Zika Virus are extremely rare

So should you cancel your upcoming trip to Mexico? Or should you avoid traveling to areas that have cases of Zika Virus? If you are pregnant, or planning on becoming pregnant, this is certainly a discussion to have with your physician. If this is not the case, then you will likely be fine. Here’s the thing, there will always be a risk of contracting a virus no matter where you travel. Zika is not the exception by any means. However, you should certainly take measures to protect yourself and your family.

Here are some tips on how to do it:

·         Stay in places with air conditioning or that use window or door screens. Your vacation home exchange will likely have all of the above.

·         Use insect and mosquito repellents and reapply as directed. If you have kids, be sure to check with their pediatrician about the use of insect repellents.

·         Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. And be sure to wear light-colored clothing. Researchers believe mosquitos are more attracted to dark colors. And yes, you need to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants even during the day. The mosquitos that spread the virus are more likely to bite during the daytime hours.

·         Avoid the use of scented skin care products. These products can attract mosquitos.

The abovementioned measures also apply if you are traveling to areas that may not necessarily have cases of the Zika Virus. Malaria, Yellow Fever, and the West Nile Virus are also caused by mosquitos.

If you have concerns about the Zika Virus, be sure to discuss these concerns with your physician. If you have questions regarding your vacation home exchange, be sure to contact an IVHEcoordinator.  

Thank you to guest travel writer Carla Pruitt. You can follow Carla on Twitter at @crobscarla

The above is only a short overview – you should always consult with your doctor on health issues.  IVHE does not take responsibility for the accuracy of this article or subsequent actions taken by any travelers.

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Pleasures of Florence

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Everything about Florence seems to be colored with a mild violet, like diluted wine.

-          Henry James

The pleasures of Florence, Italy are innumerable.  From sitting on Piazza del Duomo (in the shadow of Florence’s iconic dome) enjoying a coffee, to strolling through the Uffizi Museum, Florence beckons a visit from the most discerning of travelers.  Perhaps Henry James felt that Florence “seems to be colored with a mild violet” because history and buildings are preserved with a voracity not seen in many places in the world.  Pleasantly absent in the heart of the city are skyscrapers and obvious signs of architectural modernity; modernity is saved for the interior and window shopping in Florence’s high-end fashion district. 

The designer boutiques call to serious shoppers no matter how slim their personal coffers may be.  I recommend budgeting for the high-end shopping; I wish I had.  If designer labels are not that important to you, Florence has wonderful street fairs wherein amongst other things, lovely clothing and leather goods are reasonably priced.  I bought a silk scarf for fifteen euros; the design is intricate and appears to be much more expensive than it actually is.

Not only are beautiful art and clothing celebrated in Florence, but the aesthetics of nearly everything is celebrated including food.  A special treat during the day is a visit to one of Florence’s many gelaterias dotting the city; at night, eating outdoors near the Fountain of Neptune on the Piazza della Signoria is a pleasure.  The fountain takes on a different dimension at night and I found it to be more photographable in the evening hours.

As with any popular destination, Florence is more crowded on holidays.  I was there on All Saints Day, and the city was flooded with visitors—not that the city couldn’t be enjoyed, but the popular Uffizi Museum and Il Duomo had long waits.  However, a visit to the Uffizi Museum is worth any wait.  Home of Botticelli’s, “The Birth of Venus,” and works by Da Vinci, it’s no wonder that some visitors to the Uffizi have reported to suffer from Stendhal Syndrome or “Florence Syndrome,” wherein people sometimes faint when they come upon great works of art.  It is reported that the local hospital is well-acquainted with this problem.

Another place in which some have reported being overcome with artistic majesty is the Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze—the home of some of Michelangelo’s statues including the superlative statue of David.  Located in the foreign district, it is a bit of a walk from the center of the city but worth every step.

A surprising delight is the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum in the fashion district.  Not only you see Ferragamo’s current stunning creations (his scarves and footwear are my favorite), you can also see some of his past creations.  What I saw was an exhibition of some of his footwear worn by the likes of Queen Elizabeth and Marilyn Monroe.  The exhibitions change, however; check the website for details.

For a change of pace, cross the Arno River on the Ponte Vecchio Bridge; built in the middle ages, the Ponte Vecchio houses various shops, particularly jewelry shops.  Once over the river, visit the Museo Fondazione Romano, home to medieval treasures, or sit on the Piazza de Pitti near the Palazzo Pitti—a favorite congregating spot.

If Florentine pleasures call to you the way they have to so many artistic souls through the ages, IVHE has a lovely luxury exchange home in the area.  See how this works, and view other Italy properties available.

Thank you to travel writer and photographer Sona Schmidt-Harris @Sonag2000

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In the Steps of Pope Francis – 2016

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Dynamic and groundbreaking, Pope Francis’ travels regularly make news like his recent visit near the U.S. / Mexico border.  Religious and secular history is made every time the Pontiff sets foot outside of Italy.  Whether you are a Catholic pilgrim or not, seeing the Pope is a once in a lifetime experience.

According to Wikipedia’s, “List of pastoral visits of Pope Francis outside Italy,” Pope Francis’ forthcoming visits in 2016* will likely include the following destinations: Argentina; Chile; Uruguay; Poland; Armenia; Georgia; Azerbaijan; Sweden, and; Malta.

If your plans take you to see the Pope in some of the above-listed destinations, International Vacation Home Exchange can help.

Argentina

Home of the dramatic Argentine Andes and the tallest peak in the Western Hemisphere, Cerro Aconcagua, Argentina features not only beautiful landscapes, but beautiful cities as well.  Buenos Aires, known as the Paris of South America, is cosmopolitan and the birthplace of Pope Francis, then known as Jorge Mario Bergoglio.

Argentina celebrates the bicentennial of the Argentine Declaration of Independence in 2016.  Pope Francis is scheduled to visit sometime in 2016 to help commemorate his homeland’s independence.

IVHE has stylish luxury exchange homes in Buenos Aires and other Argentinian villas available.

Poland

On the Baltic Sea, Poland is known for its picturesque, medieval architecture and charming countryside; however, there are also mountains and forested areas.

Poland was the birthplace of the 1989 revolutions which helped to break up the Soviet Union.  Not only was Poland a hotbed of political uprising, but also of religious insurgency as well. Protestors of the Soviet regime defiantly wore religious icons frowned upon by the government at the time. It’s no wonder that Poland, former home of Pope John Paul, is important to the Catholic Church.

Pope Francis will visit Kraków, Poland at the end of July for World Youth Day.  IVHE features this luxury exchange home in Warsaw if your plans take you to Poland.

Sweden

Home to numerous islands and excellent views of the northern lights, Sweden is a winter wonderland.

The Pope is scheduled to visit the last week of October to help commemorate the 500^th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation.

IVHE features these luxury exchange homes in Sweden.

Malta

Located in the center of the Mediterranean, Malta is an island state south of Sicily.  This stunning archipelago features magnificent vistas and interesting architecture.  A high percentage of Malta’s citizens speak both Maltese and English.

With Catholicism as the major religion, it’s no wonder that Malta’s president extended Pope Francis an invitation to visit.  The Pope will visit sometime in 2016.

IVHE has features these exclusive home exchanges in vibrant Malta.

As Pope Francis continues to take the religious and secular worlds by storm, it would be fascinating to see him in person.  Perhaps IVHE can help.  See how it works.

*Please note that Pope Francis’ travel itinerary is subject to change, and some of what Wikipedia predicts may not occur.

Thank you to travel writer Sona Schmidt-Harris @Sonag2000

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Hottest Destination is Surrounded by Ice

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I am pretty sure every single friend on Facebook has or will be traveling to Iceland this year. Iceland is arguably one of the most popular destinations for 2016. Luxury Travel Guide and Budget Traveler both listed Iceland at the top of the list of places to visit this year.

What exactly makes this ice-capped paradise so popular? Probably the biggest draw to Iceland is the northern lights. During the northern lights, the sky glows with vibrant colors (the result of collisions between gaseous particles in the Earth’s atmosphere). Now whether or not you will actually see the northern lights during a trip to Iceland depends on factors such as solar wind conditions and space storms. How cool is that?

The northern lights aren’t the only reason why many people pack their snowshoes and head to Iceland. The country is a photographer’s dream with glaciers, lava formations, geysers, and the famous Blue Lagoon. There is also the Black Sand Beach, the Skogafoss waterfall, and the Hallgrimskirkja tower. Iceland also offers some spectacular places to do some whale watching. The country has also provided the backdrop to several Hollywood films such as the recent Star Wars movie, Tomb Raider, Die Another Day, and Batman Begins.

Now, the number 1 reason why more and more people are heading to Iceland is the cost. I am looking right now, and if you live on the east coast of the United States, you can book a flight to Iceland for about $350. WOW Air and Icelandair both offer affordable flights to Reykjavik – Iceland’s coastal capital.

Accommodations? International Vacation Home Exchange has you covered. There are a vacation home exchange cottages near Mývatn. Mývatn is a shallow lake located near some active volcanoes. The lake and its surrounding wetlands provide great opportunities for bird watching. Bottom line, if are looking to get away from it all, this is a great place to do it. First, you are in Iceland. Second, you wake up to views of glaciers and possibly even whales. That sure beats the city skyline.

If you are interested in reserving this home exchange property, contact the travel coordinators at International Vacation Home Exchange.

Thank you to travel writer Carla Pruitt. You can follow Carla on Twitter at @crobscarla 

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The Rocky Island City of Mont Saint-Michel

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Perched on a rocky inlet, just off the coast of Northern France, lies a tiny medieval city with an ancient Gothic abbey as its focal point.  It’s known as Mont Saint-Michel and it dates back over 1000 years.  At a friend’s suggestion we made a stop there after touring the nearby Beaches of Normandy.  My friend had recently taken the same trip and couldn’t get over how much this monument had impressed her.  We were equally as impressed, if not more, as we strolled along the narrow streets and were transported back to medieval times. 

According to legend, the archangel Michel appeared to St. Aubert, bishop of Avranches in the year

708.  He instructed the bishop to build a church on the rocks just off the coast.  St. Aubert ignored the angel’s instructions.  Saint Michel decided to let St. Aubert know he was serious and proceeded to burn a hole in the bishop’s skull with his finger.  Well, that seemed to do the trick and soon plans began to get underway.

This secluded little city has a population of 44 inhabitants and even has its own mayor.  As you walk the narrow, hilly streets and climb the 900 steps leading up to the famous abbey you will pass many quaint shops and restaurants all along the way.  Once you find your way to the massive Benedictine abbey you can wonder its small rooms with its tiny staircases while taking in the breathtaking views of the bay which surrounds it. 

Up until just a few years back the abbey was only accessible via an ancient causeway.  Recently a new updated bridge was constructed featuring a path for pedestrians as well as a road for shuttles to transport visitors back and forth to the car park.  Attempting any other way to approach the abbey is not advised as deep mud and quicksand surround the island making it quite treacherous.  There have been several incidences of tourists attempting to walk to the abbey at low tide and drowning in the process!

You may remember seeing Mont Saint-Michel on the news fairly recently as it gained worldwide attention in 2015.  In March of last year a massive “Supertide" made the site a true island for a period of time by completely surrounding it by water on all sides.  This incident occurs only once every 18 years and thousands of spectators gathered to watch.  The site will gain media attention again this summer as Mont Saint-Michel will host the start of the Tour de France Cycle Race in July of 2016. 

International Vacation Home Exchange has several luxury properties located in France.  Be sure to add a day trip to Mont Saint-Michel to your itinerary but please, by all means, remember to use the bridge to get there.

Thank you to travel blogger Lisa Medeiros.  Follow her on Twitter @lisamedeiros_

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Mykonos Musings: Does Your Heart Bleed Blue and White?

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No place has held my heart more than Mykonos.  The Aegean blue contrasted with the whitewash, boxy buildings makes for a stunning contrast.  I found the Mykonians lovely—accommodating yet not obsequious—warm and friendly with a touch of melancholy which drew me in.

Though Mykonos is a great place for relaxation and contemplation, it is also known for its lively atmosphere in the summer.  According to locals, young people flock to the island in July to enjoy one another’s company and commiserate on one of the many beaches; there are so many beaches in Mykonos, each has developed its own character and entertainment specialties.  

Photo Courtesy of Sona Schmidt-Harris

I stayed close to Platis Yalos beach, which according to a native, is known for its quiet, family-friendly atmosphere.  Apparently, some of the beaches have a party atmosphere and the fun goes on late into the night.  My husband, “Deke” and I are boring so quiet and family-friendly were fine by us.  Another beach which is known for being quiet and relaxing is Elia Beach.  I visited Paraga Beach and it was much livelier; young people played beach sports and frolicked in the sun.  I recommend that you stay by a beach that fits your own personal style. 

International Vacation Home Exchange offers an exclusive home exchange, Villa Hurmuses, close to Mykonos Town.  Ranked by Conde’ Nast Traveller as one of the 20 greatest villas on the Greek Islands, you can’t go wrong staying at Villa Hurmuses any time of year, but for a more serene visit, I recommend coming slightly offseason in the fall.  Mykonos Town, within walking distance from Villa Hurmuses, is charming and has managed to retain its character despite the popularity of Mykonos.  Picturesque windmills dot the town, and delightful shops (many of them specializing in fine jewelry) line the streets. 

Good restaurants are plentiful; I recommend Nautilus for the service as much as for the food.  The proprietor, whom I know only as Vasyli, greeted us warmly and with enthusiasm.  Our driver told us that there was no happier man than Vasyli, and that his hospitality was legendary.  Most everyone who greeted Vasyli, hugged and kissed him.  I embarrassed Deke, but I had to ask, “Vasyli, why are you so happy?”  He said that he loved his job and he loved people.  He loved what he did so much, he would do it for free; I wouldn’t believe that from most people, but I believed it from him.  We were in the presence of a special man.  After the meal, Vasyli drank matika with us—an alcoholic beverage made from the sap of a tree that is supposed to have beneficial digestive properties.  Vasyli could drink his as a shot, but I needed to sip mine.   I only take the time to tell this story to illustrate the warmth of the Mykonians; they are more than half of the reason I would like to return to Mykonos.

Departing from Mykonos Town is the ferry to the island of Delos.  The mythic birthplace of Apollo, Delos was once a thriving port, particularly during the first millennium, B.C.  The Odyssey and The Homeric Hymn to Apollo refer to Delos as the religious center of the Ionians.  The ruins, including the “House of Dionysos,” the “Temple of Hera,” and the “House of Hermes” are definitely worth seeing, and it’s a thrill to know that you are in such an ancient place.  The museum on the island is informative and interesting; there were a couple of mosaic floors which were fascinating.

Another place I recommend visiting is a Greek Orthodox monastery located in the village of Ano Mera.  There is a small, ornate church on the grounds, and according to a deacon, the church houses an icon dated at the time of Christ.  The deacon said that most people who come to worship at the church must stand for three hours; the few seats there are reserved for the elderly.  As an American, worshipping and standing for that long is hard to comprehend; we’re just not that holy.  Deke says that most Americans would only stand that long for the newest version of the iphone or the latest Star Wars movie.  I say that we would only stand in line that long at the ATM machine after a disaster.  Though I am indeed a proud American, I just don’t think we’re the standing-and-worshipping-for-three-hours type.

Perhaps it is the pulse of religion that helps to make the Mykonians so appealing.  Whatever it is, it holds me and lures me to this day.  My heart indeed bleeds blue and white.  Their numbers are small; during the offseason there are only 10,000 of them.  They open their island to us, and are superb hosts for their guests who are normally just passing through. 

If you would like to visit Mykonos, consider an exclusive home exchange at IVHE.  See how it works.

Yasas

Sona Schmidt-Harris – Follow me on Twitter @Sonag2000  

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More to the USA than New York! Lonely Planet top US desinations

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I may be a little biased since I live in the country, but the United States has some pretty neat places to see. And I am not just talking about Disneyland and Times Square. Though, I’ve been to both places and would go back in a heartbeat. There are other hidden gems in the U.S. that are worth a visit and those gems are also listed on the latest ranking from Lonely Planet.

A few months ago, I wrote about Lonely Planet’s rankings for the top travel destinations for 2016. Number 3 on that list was the United States (USA! USA! USA). Now, the same company has released its top recommendations of must-see places in the U.S. And no, Disneyland did not make the list. Either did Times Square, Hawaii or Miami. In fact, I was surprised with Lonely Planet’s recommendations initially. You would think that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, Florida would be at least #10 on the list. Instead, Lonely Planet selected places that are off the beaten path so-to-speak. But the more I looked into these places, the more I loved Lonely Planet’s recommendations. 

Number 1 on the list is the City of Brotherly Love. Philadelphia is rich in history and cheese steak sandwiches. And who doesn’t love philly cheese steak sandwiches?  The city will also host the 2016 Democratic National Convention and celebrate the 40^th anniversary of the original “Rocky” movie. Visitors can also check out the National Constitution Center, the famous Liberty Bell, and the Benjamin Franklin Museum.  

Just outside of Philadelphia, International Vacation Home Exchange members can enjoy an adorable cottage about 50 miles west of the city. The cottage is in the historic Lancaster County. This area of Pennsylvania is also worth the visit.

Here is the Lonely Planet’s Best in the United States for 2016.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Natchez, Mississippi

Yellowstone National Park

Birmingham, Alabama

Alaska

Somerville, Massachusetts

Northwest Arkansas

San Antonio, Texas

Southern New Mexico

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

International Vacation Home Exchange has properties in many of these locations, simply contact us for more information. As always, safe travels.

Thank you to travel writer Carla Pruitt. You can follow Carla on Twitter at @crobscarla 

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Florida, much more than Disney!

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Florida takes its name from the Spanish explorers who arrived on our shores in 1500s. It literally means “flowery land,” and it lives up to its name. There are many different images that can be associated with Florida; whether your picture is palm trees and white sand, verdant forests, happy families at Disney, or alligators in swamps, you’re correct. Florida has a lot of wildly different, equally delightful landscapes to choose from. Much like its landscapes, its communities and attractions are quite diverse.

With over 1,300 miles of coastline, Florida boasts the most ocean frontage of any state in the contiguous US. From the warm, calm gulf waters to the West, to the vibrant beach and surf communities that thrive on the East, if you’re looking for a seaside getaway, Florida is the place for you. Each beach community is unique, like a world unto itself. With so many different cultural influences, it makes sense that there is so much diversity to be found in the southernmost State in the US. South Florida – and Miami in particular – is rich with a Latin culture and home to some of the best Cuban food, the hottest nightclubs, and the most populated beaches in the US.  On the Northeast coast, historic Saint Augustine offers unbeatable shopping, unique (often macabre) attractions, and miles of beaches. The gulf coast is home to Destin, a top vacation destination with world-class fishing, premier golfing, and a very family friendly atmosphere.

If you’re not much of a beach bum, there are still plenty of options for you in Florida. There are plenty theme parks, from Busch Gardens in Tampa to the ever-popular Disney World in Orlando. Florida is also home to some of the most scenic and unspoiled natural habitats in the US. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of nature from one of the 150+ State Parks in the state, seeking out wildlife, natural springs, historic monuments, and more. Florida is a state made for visitors. Our economy is largely built around tourism and hospitality, so it is uniquely positioned to enchant out-of-towners. Even the Florida locals will tell you that there are plenty of items still on their “to-do” list – you could spend a lifetime here and still not see it all! There are so many hidden gems in the state that your biggest challenge as a visitor will be trying to decide what to do first.

International Vacation Home Exchange, IVHE.com has many fabulous homes for you to plan your vacation to Florida.  Click on the city links above for some of the choices and to fine tune your search, use the more options area - like golfing in Florida, fishing in Florida or beaches in Florida.  We also have a selection of additional blogs on home exchange in Florida featuring: St Augustine, Pensacola, and Marco Island, enjoy.    

Thank you to travel writer Emma Sledge.  

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Santa Monica - great place to start your Southern California Vacation

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If you’re new to the idea of vacation home exchange and looking for an ideal place to start, make it in Southern California. You simply cannot imagine the variety of experiences possible to you. If your interests lead you to the arts, there are world class museums, superb concert venues, and much more. The popular arts abound with concerts, art fairs, classes and more. But today, we thought we’d focus on the quintessential immersion experience in the greater Los Angeles area: The Santa Monica Promenade. This multi block long venue offers an almost inexhaustible number of activities for someone visiting the area. Retail stores abound. Nationally recognized stores are in the majority but there are also some intriguing local offerings as well such as the architectural bookstore located around the corner near the north end of the Promenade.

Restaurants are so plentiful that the largest problem visitors face is having to decide on which one appeals the most. From seafood to pizza; from elegance to the extremely casual, you will find something to tempt your palate. Many dining venues feature small outdoor patio areas which afford diners the pleasure of the mild, sunny weather as well as uninterrupted people watching. Believe us when we say, half the fun of going to the Promenade is experiencing the full panoply of Los Angelinos, including the occasional celebrity.

The Promenade is user friendly with many places to sit and relax before pressing on with your explorations. Every few yards you can find small kiosks selling refreshments. The weather is almost always pleasant, even on the hottest summer days because the Promenade is located on the bluffs just inshore from the Pacific Coast and the famous Santa Monica Pier.

While you’re relaxing with a beverage you’ll undoubtedly be diverted by one of the many nearby street entertainers. We’ve been amused by jugglers, magicians, and music performances of untold varieties including, classical cello, Peruvian music, and folk music.

On Saturday evenings, singers, songwriters and other performers swell the daytime ranks offering you a wider range of amusements. These entertainers are always grateful for any tip you care to offer.

If you need a break from the kaleidoscope of sight and sounds, there is a lovely bluff top part with cool grass, swaying palms and inviting benches within easy walking distance. The park overlooks the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean and historic Highway 1. It is a popular venue for picnic lunches, dog walking, jogging and skating. 

When you’ve finished with your Southern California vacation home exchange adventure, be sure to share your thoughts with other IVHE.com members. Your experiences may very well help another member have a memorable visit to the area and the Santa Monica Promenade.

In our next blog post, we’ll take a trip north on Highway 101 to Santa Barbara where we did research for one of our novels. In the meantime, Happy Vacationing!

Thank you to MA Scott - a spousal writing team

PHOTO CREDITS:

Street performers - bayimages.com

Palisades Park - smconservancy.org

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